It’s so easy to stay within the safe parameters of the box. Especially with children as to avoid a dreaded disaster ‘on’ the home. I discovered a new window crayon and the concept of coloring on the walls no longer has to be completely off limits. When I told my kids to go crazy with them, they really did look at me like I was crazy. They new the ‘rules’ but this was an exciting exception. Slowly and carefully lines were drawn until there was a creative combustion and I could no longer see my little artists on the other side of the pane. It’s exhilerating to break the rules! In an acceptable way, of course. Freedom of expression, encouraged and celebrated, the essence of an inspired childhood. When I was young, my daydream of children was a bunch of them, naked and covered with flour, dancing to blaring music inside scribble-scrabbled walls. In my reality, I definitely stress the importance of ‘please-be-careful’. I try to allow my kids to express themselves and indulge in the execution of ideas without micro-managing them. In my house, carefully letting go, I feel I have more control and my children seem to appreciate that freedom and want to make me happy.

One day, all was quiet and I found these two and a foot-painting station they had set up all by themselves. There was a foot bath, paper towels to catch drips, dry feet and an abundance of colorful paint. So proud and impressed, I applauded their risk to implement that project all of their own. That wonderful scenario earned them more trust and more color in their lives. There are so many fantastic products that allow for my free-spirited daydream to become a semi-reality. Yes, I do have some walls with interesting designs and a few stains on furniture but I remember they are children. Letting their ideas and thoughts flow like watercolors in a rainstorm, inside and outside the lines, my heart and mind feel full of delight. That gift of freedom turned into a gift for us all.